Rx Willow Willow Classen, 12, held her first ever book launch in Sunningdale on Friday, March 28
Image: Supplied
About 20 people, including parents and their children, attended 12-year-old Willow Classen’s first book launch at The Event Box in Sunningdale last month.
Willow is already making her mark as a young author and said her biggest success of her first self-published book, The Thornston’s Monster Plants, would be that the book is selling and has inspired others.
Her love for animals, nature, and storytelling has shaped her creative journey from a young age.
She’s passionate about reading, gaming, swimming, and most of all, writing stories that reflect her vibrant imagination and deep appreciation for the world around her — which is what sparked the idea to launch her first book.
For two years and five months, Willow was homeschooled, an experience that allowed her to explore her creativity freely and strengthen her writing skills.
“I realised I had very few limitations and I could use my imagination for something greater,” she said.
That freedom led her to self-publish her first book. With the full support of her family, especially her mother, Willow navigated the self-publishing process and brought her vision to life.
“It took me a month to complete the writing process of my book. But it took six months to complete the book with all the illustrations and finally get it published,” she explained.
The book, which weaves together themes of family unity, magic, and even rampaging plants, is aimed at readers aged 10 to 13.
“They will gain the inspiration of family unity — your family will always help you through the tough times — and the power of imagination,” she said.
She hopes her story will entertain young readers and inspire them to see the limitless possibilities that come with reading and dreaming big.
Willow describes herself as an extrovert who occasionally enjoys quiet, introverted moments. Now attending a private school, she has found joy in connecting with classmates and engaging in thoughtful conversations with teachers and elders.
“I believe that every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new,” she said.
Looking to the future, Willow dreams of writing a novel and creating a sequel to her debut book.
She also sees herself one day becoming an illustrator and working on “fun books”.
She draws inspiration from American author Rick Riordan.
Her advice to other young creatives is simple: “Read, read, and read some more. Try to spend more time on writing and be consistent in your work.”
Whether it’s through storytelling, sketching characters, or exploring new ideas, Willow Classen is just getting started — and she’s inviting the world to join her on this exciting journey.
If you would like to purchase a copy of the book, you can call her mom, Kim Classen, at 067 156 6699 or email her at classenkim6@gmail.com
Rx willow Willow Classen chats to guests at her book launch
Image: supplied